Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  GOTTA LOVE HONDA MINIVANS - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By HONDA MOM - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I love my Honda minivan and my kids love it even more. It has a luxurious and smooth ride, power everything, even heated seats. It is the ultimate kid vehicle for comfort. They can sit in the back and recline their seats on long rides to sleep. They watch movies or listen to music on the headphones. I never hear a peep.

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  Stereo Controls - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By S. Norrbom - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I recently went to CA and used my sisters Element. I hadnt realized how much I used the controls for the stereo on the steering of my Odyssey until I was driving her car and it wasnt there! I also wanted to be able to fit alot of family/friends when they visit. The Odyssey does the trick!

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  Jacobsen Review - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Deanne Jacobsen - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Weve loved every minute of having this automobile. I researched for over a year before choosing this minivan. I havent regreted my choice for a second. This will be the only model of Minivan that this family ever has.

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  Does everything better than average - 2003 Honda Accord
  By YouNoFocus - March 8 - 2:00 am

  First, is the great gas mileage (for a powerful V6) and it uses 87 octan REGULAR unleaded. Quiet and powerful engine that causes front tires to loose grip momentarily off start. Surprised by a great sound system. Not Bose or Infiniti or Harmon, but competes well with any of those. Navigation system is very useful, even for local 5 minute trips to places unknown. Beware though, not every address and business are on the DVD, even some local grocery stores are not there. I think this is the sensible midsize choice for most, Maxima, Passat and Camry are all okay for adolescents, yuppies and the comatose respectively.

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  Great Car Fairly Low Price - 2003 Honda Accord
  By oilextreme - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Honda has once again refined an already good car. We love it.

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  Awesome POWER - 2004 Honda Accord
  By milk359 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Great power, but lacks in handling.

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  2008 CR-V EX-L - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By jeb - March 7 - 5:06 pm

  We average 30 mpg on the highway at 60 mph around town 23 mpg. Great Ride and handling. The vehicle is well built inside and out.

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  Great Car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By RMAZ1 - March 7 - 7:46 am

  This is my first Honda and definitely not the last. I love the power of the V6 engine but the fuel economy suffers a bit (getting average 24MPG in city, got 27MPG on recent long highway trip). I love the spacious interior of this sedan. The leg room, adjustable seat, and telescopic steering wheel are a big plus for me since I am 6’ 2”. The radio display that comes with navigation system is great but I was surprised to find that the FM station (station ID, song title, etc.) information was not displayed. It’s one of those things that once you’ve had it; you miss when it is not available. I can live without it though. Overall very satisfied with the car.

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  Love my Honda! You will too! - 1999 Honda Civic
  By poda - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Since I have purchased this vehicle, I have stopped worrying about reliability of the car I drive. My Honda (as is every Honda!) is very dependable and has great gas milage. I could not ask for more at such a reasonable price! I plan on making my entire family, a Honda family! Thank you Honda!

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  Great - 1997 Honda Civic
  By allison007 - March 6 - 2:00 am

  I loved this car and really only want to get rid of it for the pure fact that I want to try a newer Honda!!